We’ve done plenty of these trips to Cozumel over the years, but in 2019, we tried out a new place, and we liked it.  The Iberostar is on the southern tip of Cozumel near Palancar Reef. It is an all-inclusive. The boat rides to the dive sites are so short we are doing most of our surface intervals at the dock.  The food is great.  The free beer and cocktails were upgraded in 2024, and now you can get both amber and pilsner beer.  The bartenders will hurt you with their mixed drinks if you ask for it.  The FREE part didn’t hurt at all.  There are now three specialty restaurants: BBQ, Mexican, and Asian, and they no longer require reservations.  Everyone was happy with the rooms.  We spent quite a bit of time at the pool swim-up bars.  Overall, it is our choice in Cozumel.   By Island Divers tradition, we take one trip into town to the Casa Mission Restaurant, but that is optional.

Come in anytime on the 18th of January, as airport transfers are included in the package, so we will be collecting your flight information to pass on to the operator.  Basically, you go out to the arrival area, look for the Margaritaville stand (yes, I’m serious), and find the driver.  You get full, more detailed instructions in a pre-trip email.   Meet up at the hotel lobby bar at 5pm for a social.  If you get in late, no problem. We’ll let you know when to be at the dive shop to start the diving the next morning.  Usually 8:30am.

We are signed up for a 5-day 2 tanks a day package.  However, if that is not enough for you, you can add on dives at $45, a little more for a night dive.  This is a special rate for our group, normally $59/$79.  The package includes Nitrox, so if you aren’t certified yet, let us know, and we will get the bookwork done before the trip and certify you on the first day.  That’s only $150.  Worth it.  Diving in Cozumel is all drift diving, which is nice.  You usually drop into the sand at about 50ft and head over to the ledge to explore caverns and swim-throughs.  You know we will be going to Columbia Reef at least once, shallow and packed with life; this is an easy hour-plus dive.

If you want to arrive early, leave late, or upgrade to a pool side or ocean view room just send me and email and I'll give you a quote.  I'll need to know if you want dives on the extra days or not.  

• add a double occupancy day with diving (must book with 2 people) $300
• add a double occupancy day without diving (must book with 2 people) $180
• add a single occupancy day with diving $415
• add a single occupancy day without diving $295

Interestingly, the way the resort does a dive package is that you basically get 10 dives, and they don't much care when you take them.  Meaning if you stayed an extra day without diving, then did two one tank days and 4 two tank days it would be the same price.  (or if you did 2 3 tank and 2 2 tank days and skipped a day, same price).